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Officials: Train derails in Virginia; no injuries

The Associated Press

Updated:
07/15/2014 01:34:49 AM EDT

Click photo to enlarge

This photo provided by the Wythe County public information officer, Jeremy T.K. Farley, shows the scene after 14 railroad cars derailed in Wytheville, Va., on Monday, July 14, 2014. No injuries were immediately reported. (AP Photo/Wythe County, Jeremy T.K. Farley)

Wythe County public information officer Jeremy T.K. Farley said in a statement that a 911 call reported a derailment around 6:15 p.m. in the town of Wytheville.

Emergency personnel on scene said they have not found any spilled chemicals and have no reason to believe the public or environment are in any danger, according to the statement.

"It happened in a crowded neighborhood, and we are fortunate that it missed several houses," Farley told The Associated Press.

No evacuation order was issued, he said, although officials kept some people from returning to homes while the scene was evaluated.

Farley said the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause and Norfolk Southern will handle the cleanup. A Norfolk Southern spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment late Monday.

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